Ross Building Accepted by Google Earth Team

In a recent post, I shared the Ross Administration 3D Model I created and submitted to Google for inclusion as part of their Google Earth 3D Building Layer. I am pleased to share the message below:

About your model: Ross Administration Building 

We're happy to tell you that your model has been accepted. It's now visible to millions of people in Google Earth's 3D Buildings layer. For more information, please take a look at our FAQs…Thanks very much for your excellent contribution to the worldwide geo-modeling effort. Please keep up the good work, and we look forward to seeing more of your models soon.

Cheers, 
The Google 3D Warehouse Team

You can now fire up Google Earth and search for, “Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette, IN” to view the building in all it’s 3D glory!

Merry Christmas! Courtesy of my favorite comic strip

Merry Christmas!!!

Santa says, “Merry Christmas and thanks for being a Doc’s Tech Notes reader this past year!”

Check iPhone Message and Data Usage

Today I am proud to present Doc’s Tech Notes first guest post. And this one is from none other than Katherine, my daughter. This is a proud day for Dad!

Ever wonder how many texts you’ve sent, or how much of your mere two gigs of data you’ve used? Don't you wish there were a way to check your messages and data usage without calling AT&T or going through the hassle of finding it online? Hit the link below to read more.

SketchUp Model: Ross Administration Building

{This post is still in draft status and will be updated/corrected soon} Among my many hobbies, I also like to revisit my original vocation: drafting and design. For several years I was heavily involved in the use of AutoCAD and 3D Studio. I even co-authored several books. My career took a detour about 10 years ago and I have since forgotten many of my AutoCAD skills; however, I still like to revisit and dabble in 3D modeling.

When Google SketchUp was released, I was elated. Finally, a powerful, free (pro version available) and easy modeling package that both hobbyist and professionals can use. I dove into the software, purchased a couple of books and viewed all the online tutorials I could find. When it comes to 3D modeling, there is no easier package than Google SketchUp.

As I identified potential hobbyist models, a goal was to create a model that I would submit to the Google SketchUp 3D Warehouse. I also wanted that model to be accepted into the Google Earth 3D Building Layer. The Ross Administration Building on our campus seemed to be the perfect model.

View the rest of the Tech Note to learn more and to see more images of the model.

Over 100,000 served

This morning, while reviewing comments, I noticed that Doc’s Tech Notes has now served over 100,000 page views. I understand for many blogs this number is just a drop in the hat; however, as a single person operation, I am very pleased. I am even more pleased that several readers have taken the time to drop a comment of thanks or to add to the Tech Notes.

“Thanks Readers!”

See view the most popular posts, hit the link below.

Holiday Flurry of Deals

I started to add this post to Google+; however I decided to post it here instead. Amazon’s Holiday Flurry Deals have begun at the Amazon AppStore for Android. There are many good Android app deals available for Kindle Fire and Android phone users.


This is a good time to try out some apps that may have seemed a bit costly at full price. While you review the apps available, check out my new favorite addition to the store, Plex (which is 60% off for a limited time). This app ties in nicely with my Mac mini Media Center project. I’ll write more about this app in a later post.

You can check out all the deals by clicking, Amazon AppStore for Android and selecting the Holiday Flurry Deals on the right-hand side of the screen. If you see an extra special deal or an app that didn’t make it to my recommended Kindle Fire app list, please consider dropping a comment below and adding to this Tech Note. I’ll be sure to do the same. Let the app downloads begin.

The iPad might be Oprah’s favorite thing, but the Amazon Kindle Fire ain’t bad.

{Updated December 22, 2011 to incorporate comments after new Kindle 6.2.1 update. A ✓ indicates update}I feel that many bloggers and journalists jumped on the review the Amazon Kindle Fire bandwagon a bit early. I understand their need to get their reviews out there, but often it seemed as if their analysis was written, posted and online even before the device had a chance to fully complete a first battery charge.

I’ve been using the $199 Amazon Kindle Fire daily since its release (I preordered). Along the way, I’ve shared a couple of posts and a list of apps to consider (and I’ve been through a bunch of ’em), but have yet to post a full review. I felt the device needed a bit of a shakedown cruise before I drew any conclusions.

After about a month of use and an OS update, it is now time to share a realistic long-term use review. I’ll try to keep the review succinct and along the way present some important points and highlights that might help users on the fence make a decision on whether they want to find a Amazon Kindle Fire under their Christmas tree. Hit the link below for the Doc’s Tech Notes review of the Amazon Kindle Fire.

Amazon Appstore for Android Kindle Fire Apps to get you started

I’ve spent considerable time in the Amazon Appstore for Android since my recent purchase of the Kindle Fire. During that time I’ve found that the online reports are true; the Amazon Appstore for Android selection is not yet up to par with the official Android Marketplace. Many of my favorite apps from the Google Android Marketplace (an alternative store for the non-android initiated) just aren’t there. So until more apps migrate over to the Kindle App Store (sure to happen if you’ve seen recent news about Kindle Fire sales), I’ve had to make due with the current crop of apps available. So far, I have survived.

I’ve also been able to side-load a few applications, but I’ll leave that for my next post. For now, and after the hitting the link below, let me share the apps from the Amazon Appstore for Android that I feel are a worthy of consideration for your bright, shiny newAmazon Kindle.

Happy Thanksgiving from Doc’s Tech Notes…

…and here’s a holiday cartoon courtesy of Tundra Comics (I’ve meet the artist and am a HUGE fan). Have wonderful holiday. I’m doing the traditional Thanksgiving "thing," traveling.